ONE-TREE POINT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2310, 9 June 1898, Page 25

ONE-TREE POINT.

Jura? 7.— Now thufc the Mataura election is over, ■ there is time for reflect itiK.ari 1 he "political problem. , Mr M'Nab's substantial majority 'did not surprise thoso conversant with the political situation ; -and , it is stated that had Mr Riiihardson opntested ihe . ■seat the majority would "have «been larger. It , must, of course, be conceded tha,t tire loyal ]' branch of the Opposition struggled manfully, but ■many cold-hearted adherents of the party .needed 'whipping out of their kennels in otdsr to secure a < ■somewhat full' exercise of the privilege with "which, unfortunately, every paras-ite and nincompoop is now endowed. It is singula-r perhaps to note that IVtr M'Nab's strength .has been about . the same at the three elections — viz., about 1800 ; and the total strength of the Liberal party ihae , 'been put into -the 'ballo't-Taox bn every occasion, < Tyhlle the Opposition numbers 'go aip and downj like the baromefter hi a. Southland clime.

Seaward Bosh Ltne. — The .Engineer-in-chief ( is inspecting this railway with'a view*to_ pushing | it further. The present terminus is Waimahapa, and an extension is advocated so 'that the Duneflin line may he tapped along the coast. The pity is that the money expended on "the Glenham line was not, more systematically and jadvautageotialy applied -to railway formation in the Seaward, where the traffic is «o great, at present that the insufficiency of Tolling stock is a matter , of serious consideration -to the department.

Complimentary.— At the las-'t -meeting of the New Zualand Natives' Association ii was unanimously resolved that the association's congratulations he extended to Meb&rs Ward and M'Nab for "the cordial, courtequs, aiicl colonial-like , manner in which these gentlemen iireateS each other during*the late political coctest. v Locax Hosouas — Mr C. Wyeth, of Woodlands, annexed -several prizes at the Gtore show, and in ■the potato class he simply swept all before him. Mr Wyeth can grow first-class "'spuds/'.and every article that becomes -related to a market gardener ' finds an expert wilh this enterprising Woodlander. Excepting Mr Wyethis, mo prizes came to local exhibitors, which 'shows 'strong indica- , tions t>f laxity on the part of -growers and engaged in testing the boil's productive capacity. Concert. — TheKennington School Committee's concert fixed for June 3 was unavoidably po3tponetl owing to the shortness of time and 'the inclement state >of the prevailing weather. The fiate is not definitely settled yet, tfut probably ithe ■concert will take place about the beginning of next month.

N. Z. N. A.— The association's last meeting was attended by nearly all the members, and the • mingling of subjects, irom the suhlime to the humorous, sped a jovial evening. After routine ' business -had been disposed of, an election of j "Mayor .of Kennington'" took place. iQve candidates— three gentlemen and two ladies— were nominated, and each -one addressed the meeting amidst hearty .applause. A ballet was taken, and the result proved .excitingly close. Two members j tied, and Mr -G. jMelvin topped .the poll by a [ majority of one, and was declared duly elected. I Mr M. M'Earlane contributed a humorous neadI ing, Mr John Irving and Mt Jioseph .Irving songs, ' and Mr Gilfedder a, paper. Mr R. A. Jfidwurda placed his piano, at the meeting's .disposal, and at intervals excellent music -was .rendered i>y Mr Edwards on the violin, and by Miss .Edith M'Killop on the piano. These EmEiical selections, -being of a high lorder, were ;th« Bignala ."for out-

bursts of applause, and for thorn Mr Edwards and 'Miss M'Eillop were accoided special votes r of thanks.